London Fields juniors welcomed record numbers today with 60 young runners crossing the finish line today, in ideal running conditions.

6 newcomers to London Fields 2 marathon wristbands 12 new personal best times

With volunteers set up all around the course, it was a full house and Sooz took the helm as Run Director for the day.

Looking forward to having a full GoodGym squad back next week - join us!

As I walked across the Fields this morning to get to the big tree, I spotted Sarah (of Sarah's tree fame) already in place and the course cones and poles already neatly set out around the whole course, and, slightly panicked, had to double check the time to make sure I wasn't late...Run Director Rue clearly does like to run a very punctual ship.

As today's runners approached from all directions, it was also clear that today was going to be one of those lucky days when we seemingly had no problem filling the other volunteer positions, and so alongside GG high viz regulars Rue, Sooz, Sarah and Nick, 10 others kindly stepped up to help and so ensure that today's 28 highly enthusiastic runners (and their coaches) safely sped around the course without any problems - 3 first timers joined us today (and will hopefully be back for more), and with 5 PBs it proved to be another successful morning for all involved.

Same time, same place next week then.

We arrived this morning ready to celebrate Run Director Sooz's birthday (for which she thoughtfully provided bags full of mini doughnuts for both runners, coaches and volunteers alike!), and discovered one of our first timers was also celebrating her birthday (decency means that we won't of course divulge the age difference between today's two birthday girls...).

With Marek donning the orange high viz with fox tail to act as today's back marker, Rue on timing duty at the finish funnel, Nick at his familiar spot at turn 1, and Sooz successfully corralling a few parents/visitors to wear the fluorescent yellow, we were soon ready for parkrun #334 under blue skies and bright sunshine.

3 first timers joined us at the Fields this morning out of a total of 14 runners (plus a few of their very keen and speedy coaches), and with some impressive finishing sprints down the home straight, much fun was had by all in what were perfect conditions.

See you next week under the big tree for #335.

Whilst standing at my marshal spot (turn 1…) waiting for the runners to come by on lap 1, a friendly lady with a small child in a push chair approached me and asked what running event was happening this morning.

When I replied that it was junior parkrun - every Sunday at 9am come rain or shine, everyone welcome, 2km of fun for all around the Fields, she was delighted that something like this was being organised for the younger ones (as she was a regular Saturday morning parkrunner, so familiar with the concept). She asked what the age requirements were, and when I mentioned 4-14 she said her little one was just a bit too young, but she’d definitely be back once he qualified…

Perfect running conditions around the course this morning, and thanks to Run Director Sooz for organising all the volunteers so well this week and leading the enthusiastic warm up, and to Marek and Kat for donating their Sunday mornings to supporting junior parkrun.

25 runners (plus a few of their coaches) ran, walked or ran/walked around the course, with 2 first timers and 2 personal bests achieved.

See you next week for more fun at the Fields!

Report by Nick